In an effort to strengthen the chances it will make the postseason, Atlanta United acquired centerback Bobby Boswell from D.C. United on Tuesday in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2019 SuperDraft.
Boswell, 34 and an MLS veteran, gives Atlanta United more cover on defense as well as the leadership of being a captain for some of his teams.
“We are trying to make a playoff push and think he can come in and contribute and add to our team,” Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said.
Atlanta United has 35 points and is in fifth in the Eastern Conference. Its next game will be Aug. 23 at D.C. United.
Boswell has spent his career in MLS, playing at D.C. United from 2005-07, Houston from 2008-13, and D.C. United again from 2014 till Tuesday's trade. He has 365 appearances, including 360 starts. He has played in two MLS Cups. He has a salary of $260,000 this season.
Bocanegra said that Boswell has good feet, is good in the air, and will compete.
The team needed depth because Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez have started all 22 league games as centerbacks this season. Anton Walkes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has moved from centerback to right fullback and Miles Robinson, the No. 2 pick in the SuperDraft, has yet to appear in a league game.
A roster spot became open when Zach Loyd was placed on the season-ending injured list Tuesday.
Starting with the Sept. 10 game against Dallas that will open Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team will play seven games (for a maximum of 21 points) in 20 days. Six of those games will be at home.
Bocanegra didn’t rule out Atlanta United making more moves before the transfer window closes Wednesday night.
“Weird stuff already happens right at the end of the transfer deadline,” he said. “We are happy with the team. We aren’t looking to make any crazy moves. If we feel like we can improve on any area in the field short term and long term then we will consider it.”
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